Olympia 84 Exceptional
Olympia Livability #45 ranked city in Washington#668 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Olympia

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

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What's it like Living in Olympia?

Located in the state of Washington, Olympia is a medium-sized city with a population of 52,290 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Olympia is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 48% of the Olympia population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Olympia is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Olympia is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Washington, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Olympia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Using data and statistics Olympia has received a livability score of 84/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a great score, as Olympia ranks well in multiple categories! Olympia has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Olympia ranks very well for education (A), employment (B-) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Olympia does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F) and cost of living (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Olympia, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Olympia an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Olympia: Percival Landing, Hand's On Children's Museum, and Farmers Market.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Olympia has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Olympia meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Olympia. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Olympia are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Olympia come in at $330,800, which is 22.8% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Olympia, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 20.9% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Olympia

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Olympia?

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Compare Olympia, WA Livability

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      Olympia transportation information

      Statistic Olympia Washington National
      Average one way commute21min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.8%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.7%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.6%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.9%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home8.6%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Olympia, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).